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Season at a glance: Second on the points table and eventually runners’ up, Gujarat Titans were outmatched twice by RCB in the Playoffs. Yet, they matched RCB in consistency across a tournament where most other teams endured sharp highs and lows.

Consistency has been the hallmark of the Titans ever since they entered the league in 2022 and won it in the first go. And just like the last two seasons, the headliners were Shubman Gill & Sai Sudharsan, ranked second and third on the Orange Cap list. Sudharsan hit eight fifties (the most by anyone), Gill hit six, with a century apiece for both. Just one step below them was Jos Buttler, with four fifties in tow.

But it wasn’t just a two-man show: Titans were also statistically the best bowling attack of the season, led by Kagiso Rabada (Purple Cap winner) and Mohammed Siraj, who ensured early dents with the new ball. Rashid Khan returned to his best after an off-colour last season, while Jason Holder’s inclusion proved to be a masterstroke. The only concern was Titans being looked at as a “template” team: in 210+ chases since 2025, they had lost seven out of seven, until they broke that jinx in Qualifier 2. The famed batting lineup, though, didn’t quite turn up for the ultimate clash.

A Powerplay bruiser, Rabada took 20 wickets in Overs 1-6 alone, ending the season with more wickets than his last three IPL seasons combined. Aside from the Purple Cap, Rabada also bowled the joint-most dots (172), suggesting how difficult he was to score off. He took a three-for five times, and was particularly threatening on GT’s home ground, not going wicketless in eight games there. Unfortunately for him, he ran into a red-hot Kohli in the final.

A stat that adds up: GT bowlers took the most wickets combined this season (118), making them the best bowling side of the competition on multiple counts. They had the best average (25.67), the best dot-ball percentage (39.9), the joint-most four-fors (three), and the best strike-rate (16.2). Goes to show how a well-rounded bowling attack is imperative for a great season.

A mini auction pick that…

Looked a million bucks: Jason Holder hadn’t played an IPL game for two seasons when he was picked for INR 7 Cr by the Titans. He had been taking wickets in bucketloads across T20 competitions elsewhere and took that form into his comeback IPL season too. The balance of the side turned drastically when Holder was brought in, controlling the middle overs with 17 wickets and an economy of under eight.

Didn’t work out: Aside from Holder, GT got four players at the auction, but only Ashok Sharma got game time, briefly turning heads with his raw pace. But his 150kph thunderbolts suddenly vanished six games in. They also splurged INR 2 Cr on Tom Banton, who had to miss the season due to a finger injury. Next time, they might want to shore up their middle-order batting resources with their auction money.

Best match of the season: Trampled by RCB in Qualifier 1, GT needed a quick turnaround against RR. They conceded 214, largely due to boy wonder Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s 96, who kept them at bay even as others came and went. The target required them to bat out of their skins, given their poor chasing record, and the fact that they would have to pull off the biggest chase ever in a Playoff game. But Gill put on a flawless display, adding a 160-run opening stand with Sudharsan, and taking them through with a 47-ball hundred, the first by a captain in a Playoff game.

On a scale of 1-10, 1 being urgent need for introspection and 10, a celebration into the night – IPL 2026 for GT has been: 8/10. GT have shown that their team looks and works a certain way, but there’s room for improvement in a flimsy middle-order that somehow didn’t need showing up too often.

With Suryakumar Yadav set to be removed as captain of India’s T20 side, three names have emerged as frontrunners to succeed him. Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer are understood to be on the selectors’ shortlist ahead of their meeting in Mumbai on Saturday (June 6), when the leadership change is expected to be formally ratified. Sanju Samson, whose name has figured prominently in media speculation, is unlikely to make the final cut.

There is no unanimity yet on the preferred candidate, but the selectors are evaluating their options with the long term succession plan in mind – not just the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics but also the next T20 World Cup, to be held a few months after LA28.

It would not be surprising if one of the younger contenders – Tilak (23) or Ishan (27) – gets the nod. However, Iyer (31) remains very much in contention, particularly after the manner in which he galvanised Punjab Kings and led them to a remarkable season in 2025.

It is a different matter that Punjab Kings failed to reach the playoffs this year after a blazing start, but Iyer’s leadership credentials remain beyond question. The only factor working against him is that he is not part of the current India T20I setup. He has not played a T20I in nearly 30 months, since December 2023, a period during which India have played 63 T20Is, won two T20 World Cups and enjoyed all the glory that came with those triumphs.

n the appointment of the new captain, Gautam Gambhir’s role cannot be overstated. Whether the head coach opts for the more experienced Iyer – with whom he enjoyed a successful professional association at Kolkata Knight Riders if not exactly a great personal equation – or backs a younger candidate will be of considerable significance.

Staying with the younger brigade, it is increasingly emerging that Ajit Agarkar & Co are preparing to pick Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the precocious batter who took this year’s IPL by storm, in the T20I squad. There has been considerable debate over whether it is appropriate to fast-track a 15-year-old into the national side so early, but it is understood that the selectors are seriously considering handing the Rajasthan Royals batter the national cap. The selectors will also take a look at Rajat Patidar as a potential replacement for Suryakumar in the batting line-up. Patidar recently led RCB to their second successive title, becoming only the third captain along with MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma to do that. He also finished IPL 2026 with 501 runs at a strike rate of 192.69.

Sooryavanshi meanwhile, finished as the IPL’s leading run-scorer with 776 runs, scoring at a breathtaking strike rate of 237.30 – an unprecedented figure for an Orange Cap winner. He has already been selected for the India A tri-series in Sri Lanka, involving Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A later this month. A promotion to the senior national team now appears firmly on the horizon.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has sent shockwaves through the football world by confirming the club’s first major signings for the upcoming season. Speaking ahead of the crucial presidential elections, the 79-year-old incumbent revealed that both a defensive powerhouse and a legendary manager are set to arrive at the Bernabeu.

Perez confirms Konate capture and Mourinho return Perez has made a sensational declaration regarding Real Madrid’s transfer activity, stating that Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate will be a Los Blancos player next season if he retains his presidency. The deal would see the 27-year-old French international move to the Spanish capital as a free agent following the expiration of his contract at Anfield. In an interview with Diario AS, Perez expressed his confidence, saying: “We’re working on all these signings. I can assure you that if I remain president of Real Madrid, one of the world’s top defenders, Konate, will be playing for Real Madrid from next season onwards. And he won’t be the only top defender to join us if I stay at the helm of Real Madrid.” The president also confirmed that Jose Mourinho is the man chosen to lead the team from the dugout, noting: “Mourinho is one of the world’s great coaches and he was very important for Real Madrid during his time with us. He was the coach of that famous record breaking league season. He brought the team to very high levels of competitiveness and that was very important for everything that was achieved afterwards. Mourinho and Konate are my first signings.”

Manchester City’s opening attempt to sign Elliot Anderson has reportedly been rejected by Nottingham Forest. The Cityzens is said to be a strong admirer of the midfielder, but Forest have no intention of selling one of their key players cheaply and are demanding a huge fee before considering any negotiations.

• City’s opening move meets resistance Man City have reportedly identified Anderson as a key target as they look to refresh their options in the middle of the park. The Cityzens is believed to value the 23-year-old’s versatility, energy and ability to fit into the club’s demanding tactical system. The Manchester club see Anderson as a player with the potential to develop into a long-term asset. However, according to The Athletic, their initial approach has been knocked back by Forest, who are determined to retain one of the most important members of Vitor Pereira’s squad. The club are not under pressure to sell and have made it clear that Anderson is not available at a discount.

Forest demands huge costs

Forest have reportedly informed City that it would take a mammoth offer to bring them to the negotiating table. Having invested heavily in Anderson, the club regard him as a central figure in their long-term plans. The club’s hierarchy are said to be prepared to resist interest from wealthier rivals unless their valuation is met in full. The reported stance also serves as a message to other clubs that Anderson will only leave for a premium fee.

Why Anderson has become such a sought-after target

Anderson’s stock has risen rapidly since his move from Newcastle. The midfielder has established himself as a regular starter at Forest and has earned praise for his ability to drive forward from deep positions as well as his intensity out of possession. In the 2025-26 season, the 23-year-old appeared in all 38 Premier League matches, starting 37 of them.

His development has reportedly attracted growing attention, with him also being named in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup. For City, he represents more than just a short-term addition, with the club viewing him as a potential future midfield leader.

Decision time for City

City must now decide whether to return with an improved offer or shift their focus to alternative midfield targets. While Anderson fits the profile the club is reportedly looking for, Forest’s asking price could test City’s willingness to proceed with the deal.

For Forest, the priority remains maintaining stability and retaining key players. Anderson remains at the City Ground for now, but interest from one of Europe’s biggest clubs means the situation could continue to develop as the transfer window progresses.

Manchester United have officially confirmed that Rasmus Hojlund has completed a permanent move to Napoli following a productive loan spell in Italy. The Denmark international, who arrived at Old Trafford from Atalanta in 2023, returns to Serie A on a full-time basis after the Neapolitans triggered a mandatory purchase clause.

Permanent switch to Naples confirmed

The saga regarding Hojlund’s future has finally reached its conclusion with Manchester United confirming the striker has joined Napoli on a permanent basis. The 23-year-old spent the 2025-26 campaign on loan in Italy, and the move has now been made official following the conclusion of the season. In a short statement on the club’s official website, United bid farewell to the forward, stating: “Everyone at the club would like to wish Rasmus all the very best for the future.”

Hojlund’s departure marks the end of a three-year association with the Premier League giants. Having joined from Atalanta in the summer of 2023 as a boyhood fan of the club, he managed to score 26 goals in 95 appearances for the Red Devils. He also claimed silverware during his time in England, featuring as a substitute in the 2024 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City at Wembley.

Champions League clause triggers mandatory transfer

The permanent nature of the deal was not a matter of choice for the involved parties this summer, but rather the result of a specific obligation-to-buy clause. The agreement signed last year dictated that if Napoli secured a top-four finish in Serie A, the transfer would become mandatory. The Partenopei officially confirmed their place in Europe’s elite competition after a 3-0 Serie A win against Pisa last month, a match in which Hojlund scored and provided an assist.

The deal is believed to be worth approximately £38 million, representing a substantial recoup for United as they look to build a new-look squad. Hojlund flourished away from the Premier League spotlight, finishing as Napoli’s top scorer with 16 goals in 44 games across all competitions during his loan stint. His impact was particularly felt in the league, where his work rate and clinical edge helped Napoli finish as runners-up and clinch the Supercoppa Italiana.

Striker pens emotional message to fans

Taking to social media earlier in the season when his permanent move was secured, Hojlund did not hide the conflicting emotions of leaving a club he supported as a child. In a heartfelt address to the United faithful, he wrote: “To say goodbye to Manchester United is something that kinda feels emotional. My childhood dream came true by playing at Old Trafford in a red jersey. The way you fans supported me, made me feel like home and let me find my confidence again is something I’m so grateful for.”

He continued: “So the goal today symbolizes a new confident start, in which I will give everything for the time ahead to Napoli, and a thank you to all the fans, players and staff of Manchester United who made the dream I had as a kid come true. It’s time for new dreams, so let’s chase them.”

The 2026 World Cup was supposed to be another waypoint on Lamine Yamal’s path to becoming a generation-defining superstar, but there is the genuine threat that an injury could deprive the tournament of one of its biggest names. The Spanish wonderkid made everyone sit up and take notice at Euro 2024, and two years on, the 18-year-old seemed primed to seize the limelight once again. But instead, it may well be a waiting game.

Yamal suffered an untimely hamstring injury during the run-in of what was another title-winning La Liga campaign for Barcelona’s teenage sensation. Something that looked innocuous actually proved to be far more sinister, throwing his involvement at the World Cup into jeopardy.

There will have been widespread relief, then, when the winger was included in Luis de la Fuente’s 26-man Spain squad for the upcoming tournament, but the level of influence he will be able to have is still shrouded in uncertainty.

La Roja will be desperate to be able to call upon their attacking talisman when the competition intensifies, but will the World Cup come too soon for us to witness one of the would-be stars of the show at his unstoppable best?

Sidelined

It was an innocuous moment that has cast doubt over Yamal’s fitness for the World Cup; seconds after converting what proved to be the winning goal from the penalty spot against Celta Vigo on April 22, the winger signalled to the bench and went to ground, as his team-mates’ jubilation swiftly turned to concern.

He hasn’t played since, with reports at the time claiming that Barca were fearful that he had torn his left hamstring. That would require a recovery timeline of up to eight weeks, with no guarantee he would be match fit thereafter, either. However, the Blaugrana insisted he would be ready for the World Cup, a reflection of Yamal’s importance to Spain’s cause.

The club said at the time: “Tests have confirmed that first-team player Lamine Yamal has suffered a hamstring injury in his left leg. The player will follow a conservative treatment plan. He will miss the remainder of the league season but is expected to be available for the World Cup.” That was echoed by his club manager Hansi Flick.

Injury-hit campaign

This was the latest setback in what was an injury-disrupted season for the teenager, despite his tender years.

Yamal was also sidelined for five games right at the beginning of the campaign as a result of pubalgia – the chronic groin issue that also hampered Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer for much of 2025-26. Often called a sports hernia, the injury usually affects athletes who make explosive twists and turns, like quick-footed wingers. Younger players who have recently transitioned to first-team football can also be more susceptible.

Yamal was actually at the centre of a club vs country dispute back in September after he aggravated the problem while on international duty with Spain, who were accused of failing to ‘take care’ of the winger. He was subsequently held back from the November camp. Barca will not want a repeat, even at the World Cup.

Jalen Brunson battles through early tweaks and poor form to produce a 13-point 4th-quarter effort that helps decide Game 1.

Jalen Brunson’s game-high 30 points help the Knicks seal a Game 1 victory in the 2026 NBA Finals.

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SAN ANTONIO – The score was tied when New York Knicks All-NBA guard Jalen Brunson checked back into Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals with 7:37 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Coming out of a timeout, Brunson got the ball near halfcourt, drove left and into the lane and lofted a left-handed scoop shot. It was the first two points of a personal 8-0 run for Brunson and part of a huge fourth quarter from the Knicks’ point guard, who found his offensive touch at the right time, helping the Knicks to a 105-95 victory against the San Antonio Spurs.

Brunson finished with 30 points on 12-for-31 shooting – not the most efficient scoring performance. However, he scored 13 points in the fourth quarter, making 5-of-9 shots, including his only 3-point attempt and produced the offense necessary to take a 1-0 series lead.

“He’s a gamer, man,” said Knicks coach Mike Brown. “In the biggest moments, he shows up, and that’s what MVPs are supposed to do. We put the ball in his hands and said we are going to live and die with him. And he got it done for us, and that’s happened time after time after time. He got to his spots and he made plays.

The Moment

The Knicks erased a 14-point deficit in the third quarter and were locked in a tight back-and-forth. After Brunson’s scoop, he made two free throws and made another left-handed layup, splitting two defenders through the middle of the paint. He closed out the run with one more left-handed layup as Knicks center Mitchell Robinson screened San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama preventing the 7-foot-4 Kia Defensive Player of the Year from contesting the shot.

“Most importantly, knowing we’re on the road, and knowing my teammates have my back, I think that’s the biggest thing in an environment like this,” Brunson said. “The trust they have in me and the trust I have in them, it’s got us to this point. I mean, I’m very thankful for them every single night we go out there together.”

That final layup put the Knicks up 94-86 with 6:07 remaining in the fourth.

“He’s a tremendous player that’s skilled, picks his spots, knows his angles, shoots contested shots without being sped up,” said Spurs coach Mitch Johnson. “He’s a phenomenal player. We just got to keep making him work.

“Again, he had a phenomenal game. He got going there, had a few in a row. Thirty points on 31 shots is something that you probably want to keep making him work for those points. Some other stuff we can probably control more than him making or missing shots.”

Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks closed out the San Antonio Spurs in the clutch to take Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.

Jalen Brunson (30 pts) scored 13 points in the fourth quarter to take the New York Knicks home in the clutch, lifting them to a 105What we know after Game 1 of the NBA Finals:

This series will reconvene Friday at 8:30 ET on ABC.-95 win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.

The Knicks won 105-95, earning their 12th straight win in this Playoff run.

Postgame Presser: Knicks-Spurs

It was the 12th straight Playoff win for the Knicks. They’re the third team in NBA history to reach that milestone, joining the 1999 Spurs and 2015 Warriors.

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Jalen Brunson puts on a gutsy display late in the game as the Knicks rally to take Game 1 of the NBA Finals

If the Knicks can beat the Spurs three more times in the NBA Finals, they’ll have earned the title of the greatest playoff team of all time.

SAN ANTONIO — The New York Knicks won their 12th straight playoff game on Wednesday, coming back from 14 points down to beat the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals.

The 12 straight wins is tied for the second longest (single-season) streak in the history of the NBA Playoffs. It’s tied with the Spurs’ 12-game streak in 1999, when the last two wins were Games 1 and 2 of the Finals … against the Knicks.

The longest playoff winning streak in NBA history belongs to the Golden State Warriors, who won their first 15 games of the 2017 Playoffs before coming up one game short of a perfect postseason.

Here’s a statistical comparison between the three streaks:

1. Point differential – It’s all Knicks

Over the 12-game winning streak, the Knicks have outscored their opponents by 272 points. That’s 30 more points than the Warriors outscored their opponents by over the 15-game streak, when 12 of those 15 wins came by double-digits.

The Knicks have won 11 of their 12 by double-digits, with five of those wins coming by at least 29 points.

Point differential in longest playoff winning streaks, NBA history

2. Offense and defense too

You don’t get a point differential like that without playing at a high level on both ends of the floor. And when you compare their numbers to the postseason average of each year, the Knicks’ streak has come with both the best offense and the best defense…

Efficiency in longest playoff winning streaks, NBA history

OffRtg = Points scored per 100 possessions | DefRtg = Points allowed per 100 possessions | NetRtg = Point differential per 100 possessions | Lg. avg = Postseason average points scored per 100 possessions | AdjO, AdjD = OffRtg & DefRtg vs. postseason average

OffRtg = Points scored per 100 possessions | DefRtg = Points allowed per 100 possessions | NetRtg = Point differential per 100 possessions | Lg. avg = Postseason average points scored per 100 possessions | AdjO, AdjD = OffRtg & DefRtg vs. postseason average

3. Short on strength of schedule

The one area where the 2026 Knicks come up a little short in comparison to the other streaks is the strength of their opponents. The last 11 of the Warriors’ 15 wins came against teams that won at least 51 games, with four of them coming against the 61-win Spurs:

Efficiency in longest playoff winning streaks, NBA history

OppL, OppW = Cumulative opponent (regular-season) wins and losses | OppPCT = Cumulative opponent (regular-season) winning percentage

Of course, these 2026 Spurs (62-20, .756) are the best team that any of these teams beat over the course of their winning streaks. And if the Knicks can beat them three more times (even if it’s not a sweep and they fall short of the Warriors’ streak), they’ll have earned the title of the greatest playoff team of all time.

The New York Giants have a renewed need at receiver following Gunner Olszewski’s recent torn Achilles tendon. All eyes turn to Odell Beckham.

The former Giants star attended Brian Burns’ charity softball game over the weekend, signing autographs for fans and speaking to the New York Post’s Brandon London about the possibility of returning to his first NFL club.

“It’s a place I never wanted to leave,” Beckham said, “and it’s just a special place in my heart, just to see all of these Big Blue jerseys — just hoping for the best.”

Beckham worked out for the Giants earlier this offseason, and new coach John Harbaugh didn’t dismiss the idea of adding the veteran receiver, but noted it needed to be right for “both parties.”

The Giants held a WR workout on Monday, and Beckham was one of those in attendance. New York agreed to a one-year deal with veteran Braxton Berrios, per ESPN. Berrios is a natural fit to replace Olszewski following a potential season-ending injury.

Anthony Miller and JuJu Smith-Schuster also worked out for the Giants on Monday, per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. We’ll see if the Giants have any more moves to make at receiver. (EDITOR’S NOTE: New York indeed signed Beckham later on Monday.)

Beckham, 33, didn’t play at all in 2025 after receiving a six-game PED ban. He said the time away has made him appreciate the game more.

“I think you just rely on the things you always rely on, which is my faith,” Beckham said. “And, you know, God has a place of special purpose and journey for me, and just being able to spend that time away, just made me realize some things. You know, I left some things unfinished.”

In 2024, Beckham appeared in nine games with the Miami Dolphins and caught nine passes for 55 yards. He hasn’t been a significant part of an offense since the Super Bowl run with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, which ended in an ACL tear.

Beckham was asked what he’d say to anyone who questions whether he still has any juice left.

“I guess we gonna find out soon,” Beckham said.

A return to New York would be a full-circle moment for the 2014 No. 12 overall pick. Beckham earned a Pro Bowl nod and went over 1,300 yards in each of his first three seasons with the Giants before injuries began to take their toll. He has neither reached those figures nor been to a Pro Bowl since 2016. Beckham spent two more seasons with Big Blue before the trade to Cleveland in 2019.